DEPEW SCHOOLS
Focused curriculum is a major goal as district looks to new school year
By Laura E. Winchester
SUBURBAN CORRESPONDENT
Updated: 07/02/08 7:03 AM
Implementing a guaranteed and viable curriculum throughout the Depew School District is a major goal for the 2008-09 school year, Assistant Superintendent Sue Frey told the Board of Education at its reorganization meeting Tuesday.
The effort will utilize books written by educator Robert Marzano, who translates research and theory into practical programs for kindergarten through grade 12 teachers and administrators, Frey said.
She added that grade-level and department chairpersons would be key to the program’s success by providing clear guidance to teachers regarding what students are expected to learn.
It’s up to teachers to decide “what’s essential content” in their courses, Frey said.
The board voted 5-1 to appoint the grade-level and department chairpersons. Barbara Staebell voted no, saying after the meeting that she objected to the “realignment and reworking” of the chairpersons, which was done by an administrative team headed by Superintendent Kim Mueller.
“I don’t think we were given all the information we need,” Staebell said.
Mueller told The Buffalo News that the change was designed to have “people focused on their specific areas of expertise.” She said that was going to be particularly important with the enhanced spotlight on curriculum next year.
In other business, the board:
• Re-elected Steven Carmina board president. Staebell was elected vice president, replacing Sue Wagner, who declined reelection to the post. Carmina and Staebell were unopposed in their bid for another three-year term in the May school elections.
• Appointed Kelly Parkot as a physical education teacher effective this September to June 30, 2011. She replaces Ginger Maciejewski who retired.
• Appointed Katie Merrill, a graduate of Depew High School, as a special education teacher, filling an opening. Her appointment is from this September to June 30, 2011.
• Approved a contract not to exceed $25,000 with SJB Services of Buffalo to do soil testing in connection with the capital improvement project that is now under way.
• Raised the mileage reimbursement allowance to 58.5 cents per mile, the new rate just set by the IRS reflecting the rise in gas prices.
